Internal Applicants Only
Full time Fixed term for up to 18 months
The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 14 February 2024
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
The PostA postdoctoral research fellow position is available at the University of Stirling to work in the research group of Dr Brad Duthie and Prof Nils Bunnefeld on a HorizonEurope funded project entitled, “Restoring Ecosystems to Stop the Threat of Re-Emerging Infectious Disease” (RESTOREID). The post will be employed on an 18 month fixed term contract.
Recent evidence suggests a link between landscape degradation and the risk of zoonotic spillover. Consequently, large scale restoration might be an effective tool for mitigating many human-induced impacts on landscapes and potentially even reduce zoonotic disease transmission. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which these benefits of restoration operate are unclear, and it is unlikely that restoration is a simple reversal of the process of degradation. Furthermore when landscapes are restored, it is rarely if ever to a state resembling their initial undegraded state, and exactly how a restoration will proceed depends on the extent of restoration and the specific context under which the restoration was made. The diversity of pathways to restoration can potentially result in a myriad of different potentially interacting effects on zoonotic disease spillover. Given the complex ways that disease risk might be affected by restoration, it is critical to investigate how restoration plans might impact the risk of disease spillover. The RESTOREID project aims to investigate the relationship between restoration and disease spillover.
Additional Information
Whilst submitting the online application required by the University, applicants should also submit a curriculum vitae, covering letter, the details of two referees and a statement outlining:
(a) Why they are interested in the particular project (b) Why they are ideally suited for the project.
Candidates are invited to make informal enquiries contacting Dr Brad Duthie, email: [email protected] Tel: 07561 408101.
Description of DutiesThe main responsibility of the post-holder will be to conduct a literature review to assess the current knowledge of restoration and how it is linked to spillover risk of disease. This literature review will include identifying potential drivers such as socio-economic factors, wildlife species, communities, and human behaviour.
The following activities will be expected of the post-holder:
You should have a relevant doctoral qualification in ecology, conservation science, restoration, or a closely related field. The ideal candidate would also have experience conducting literature reviews.
Essential CriteriaQualifications
Research
Skills, Attitude, and Behavioural
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.
More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University's sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.
The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership. www. stir.ac.uk @stiruni
Job number
FAC01907Contract Type
Fixed Term ContractPosting End Date
14-Feb-2024Location:
Stirling CampusGrade
Grade7 £37,099-£44,263 p.a.Faculty/Service
Faculty of Natural Sciences Post DetailsInternal Applicants Only
Full time Fixed term for up to 18 months
The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 14 February 2024
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.
The PostA postdoctoral research fellow position is available at the University of Stirling to work in the research group of Dr Brad Duthie and Prof Nils Bunnefeld on a HorizonEurope funded project entitled, “Restoring Ecosystems to Stop the Threat of Re-Emerging Infectious Disease” (RESTOREID). The post will be employed on an 18 month fixed term contract.
Recent evidence suggests a link between landscape degradation and the risk of zoonotic spillover. Consequently, large scale restoration might be an effective tool for mitigating many human-induced impacts on landscapes and potentially even reduce zoonotic disease transmission. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which these benefits of restoration operate are unclear, and it is unlikely that restoration is a simple reversal of the process of degradation. Furthermore when landscapes are restored, it is rarely if ever to a state resembling their initial undegraded state, and exactly how a restoration will proceed depends on the extent of restoration and the specific context under which the restoration was made. The diversity of pathways to restoration can potentially result in a myriad of different potentially interacting effects on zoonotic disease spillover. Given the complex ways that disease risk might be affected by restoration, it is critical to investigate how restoration plans might impact the risk of disease spillover. The RESTOREID project aims to investigate the relationship between restoration and disease spillover.
Additional Information
Whilst submitting the online application required by the University, applicants should also submit a curriculum vitae, covering letter, the details of two referees and a statement outlining:
(a) Why they are interested in the particular project (b) Why they are ideally suited for the project.
Candidates are invited to make informal enquiries contacting Dr Brad Duthie, email: [email protected] Tel: 07561 408101.
Description of DutiesThe main responsibility of the post-holder will be to conduct a literature review to assess the current knowledge of restoration and how it is linked to spillover risk of disease. This literature review will include identifying potential drivers such as socio-economic factors, wildlife species, communities, and human behaviour.
The following activities will be expected of the post-holder:
You should have a relevant doctoral qualification in ecology, conservation science, restoration, or a closely related field. The ideal candidate would also have experience conducting literature reviews.
Essential CriteriaQualifications
Research
Skills, Attitude, and Behavioural
The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.
Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.
More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University's sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.
The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).
The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership. www. stir.ac.uk @stiruni